Unique perspective: Google Maps now allows you to explore downtown Detroit at 45-degrees

Google Maps screen capture. As you can see, some of the buildings are slightly askew, rising at odd angles as a result of whatever complex algorithm is employed.

Google Maps, one of the next-best things to exploring Detroit in real life, just got better.

At some point in the last month, the search giant added 45-degree imagery for the Motor City that essentially renders downtown in three dimensions ala Google Earth. Zoom in close enough, and the view shifts to show the Renaissance Center rising above the Detroit River and casting shadows over East Jefferson.

I noticed it this weekend as I was comparing historic photos of the St. Regis to the contemporary, expanded hotel in the New Center. Mesmerized by the Sim City-like presentation, I spent the next hour exploring the city from a vantage point rarely afforded the average onlooker.

Writing on the Lat Long Blog, Mike Pegg of Google Marketing explained that the company added the new 45-degree view to 21 cities in December.

Dec. 20, Google: Detroit, Michigan is one of those cities I’m particularly excited to share with you. Growing up nearby this great international city, I’ve gotten to know its beauty, character and deep history. Recently Detroit has attracted much international attention for its auto sector and changing urban landscape.

With this 45° imagery update, and also using the Street View feature of Google Maps, you can now explore for yourself the wonderful revival that has happened in Detroit’s downtown core. Here at the corner of Montcalm and Woodward you can see the historic Fox Theatre and the famed Hockeytown Cafe, with the home of the Detroit Tigers and Lions just a short walk away.

To access the new angle, just head to Google Maps and focus on downtown Detroit in satellite mode. The 45-degree view automatically kicks in at the four closest zoom levels.